Everyone can utilize tools and technology to make life easier and perform tasks with more efficiency. However people with disabilities face even greater challenges in performing essential tasks in life. These challenges are especially evident with those individuals with a disability involved in agriculture. Farming is traditionally a labor-intensive profession that involves physically demanding work. With the use of assistive technology, farmers with a disability can maintain their independence and productive lifestyle on the farm.
What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology includes any kind of device, modification, or service that will help a person with a disability work and live more independently. It may be low tech or high tech, expensive or inexpensive, but ultimately it helps make it possible for someone to complete a job that might otherwise be difficult. While technology can make life easier on everyone, assistive technology can make farming possible for individuals with a disability.
Assistive technologies that are commonly used on the farm
Several assistive technology categories can be used on the farm. Depending on the disability and the challenges being faced, some or all of the categories may be used. These assistive technologies may be designed specifically for a person with a disability to perform a task, they may be technologies that are designed for the general public but have special value to people with disabilities, or they may involve innovative work practices that change the way a task is performed. Assistive technologies utilized on the farm include:
Aids to daily living:
Augmentative and alternative communication:
Environmental controls:
Home or worksite modifications:
Job accommodations:
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Photo by K. McGuire |
Seating and positioning aids:
Vision and hearing aids:
This is a broad category that includes all types of sensory aids to help people who are blind, low vision, deaf, or hard of hearing. Devices are also available to help those with multiple sensory disabilities, such as the deaf-blind.
Personal mobility aids:
Vehicle or equipment modification:
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Photo by K. McGuire |
Prosthetics and orthotics:
Assistive technology preventing secondary injuries:
Farming with limitations or disabilities can increase risk in an already dangerous occupation and lead to secondary injuries. Assistive technologies have been developed for the farmstead to help individuals maintain productivity and independence, but can also assist in the prevention of secondary injuries. In simple terms, secondary injuries can be defined as injuries resulting from a previous injury or health condition. Often these secondary injuries occur because the farmer may attempt work tasks that exceed his or her abilities. The use of assistive technology can simplify tasks that need to be completed, create efficiency in labor-intensive work processes, and reduce fatigue.
Identifying assistive technology needs:
Ohio AgrAbility can visit your farm to help determine assistive technology solutions through on-site assessments and provide you with recommendations for assistive technologies. Recommendations can also include resources and information on worksite and process modification and prevention of secondary injuries. AgrAbility staff can make referrals to funding sources appropriate to your specific needs through Ohio Rehabilitation Services, specialized equipment loans, or other funding opportunities.
Acknowledgments
This fact sheet was reviewed by Karen Mancl, PhD, Professor, Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University; Josh Svarda, Program Coordinator, Easter Seals Work Resource Center; and John Zeller, Rural Rehabilitation Specialist, Ohio AgrAbility.
References
- Abledata. Assistive products. abledata.com. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
- AgrAbility Quarterly. (Fall 2001). Assistive Technology Notes—Farming and Ranching Made Easier. National AgrAbility Project, University of Wisconsin.
- Breaking New Ground Resource Center. (2009). Assistive Technology for Rural Youth—A Curriculum package for FFA Chapters. Purdue University.
- Oklahoma ABLE Tech. Assistive Technology and Rural Life. ok.gov/abletech/Publications. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
- Oklahoma AgrAbility. Assistive Technology in Agriculture. agrability.okstate.edu/FactSheets. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
About AgrAbility Based Fact Sheets
These fact sheets were developed to promote success in agriculture for Ohio's farmers and farm families coping with a disability or long-term health condition. AgrAbility offers information and referral materials such as this fact sheet, along with on-site assessment, technical assistance, and awareness in preventing secondary injuries. Fact sheets were developed with funding from NIFA, project number OHON0006.